Life After Cancer: Fatigue

After cancer treatment ends, you may find that you still feel tired and unable to do the things you want and need to do. Extreme tiredness (fatigue) is a very common problem for cancer survivors. It may last for months or even years after cancer treatment ends.

Fatigue can feel different for each person. You may not have the energy to do things you used to do. Your arms and legs may feel heavy or weak. You may have trouble focusing, thinking, or remembering. Many times this kind of tiredness doesn’t get better with sleep or rest.

Why fatigue needs treatment

Fatigue can be very upsetting. It can greatly affect a person’s ability to do daily life tasks. You may feel too tired to take care of yourself or spend time with your family. It can make it hard to go back to work and be part of social activities. Cancer-related fatigue can be a daily struggle.

What causes fatigue after cancer?

Researchers are working to understand more about the causes of fatigue after cancer treatment. There are a lot of things that may cause fatigue or make it worse. Here are some of them:

A weakened immune system

Changes in hormone balance

Depression

Electrolyte problems, including changes in potassium, calcium, and sodium levels in the blood

Kidney problems

Low red blood cell counts (anemia)

Lung problems

Not eating or drinking enough

Not enough sleep or not sleeping well

Ongoing pain

Opioid pain medicine or other medicines

Heart problems

Getting treated for fatigue

Talk with your healthcare provider if you have fatigue after cancer treatment. He or she will ask you questions about what your fatigue feels like, and when it’s better or worse. You may have blood tests done. These can look at levels of hormones, iron, and electrolytes, and check for other problems. You may also see other kinds of doctors to find out what may be causing your fatigue. This might be a heart doctor (cardiologist) or a doctor who deals with hormone balance (endocrinologist).

Treatments may include:

Blood transfusions, medicine, or iron supplements to treat anemia

Change in doses or types of medicine

Medicine to help control pain

Medicine or other ways to help you sleep better

Medicines to help you feel more awake during the day

Hormone therapy

Medicine to help treat depression

Vitamins

Complementary therapies such as mindfulness, yoga, or acupuncture

Don’t ignore fatigue. It may be a sign of a problem that needs to be treated. And don’t try to treat it yourself with vitamins, herbs, or special diets. Talk with your healthcare provider before trying any of these things.

Other things that can help

If you are suffering from cancer fatigue:

Eat a healthy diet. Ask your healthcare provider if you should also be taking any nutritional supplements.

Get the rest you need. Take rest breaks and naps as needed during the day.But don’t rest too much or your sleep problems at night may get worse.

Plan your time. Use your energy on things you need or want to do.

Get the help you need. Ask others for help doing things such as cleaning, shopping, laundry, and cooking.

Have a routine. Go to bed and get up at the same times every day.

Get some exercise every day. Try an activity such as walking, swimming, or riding a bicycle. This can help prevent weak muscles, and can boost your energy level. Being active can help you feel better.

Getting support

It can help to talk with other cancer survivors dealing with fatigue. You may learn new ways to cope with fatigue after cancer. Talking with a counselor may also help you manage fatigue, especially if depression is making it worse. Talk with your healthcare team about finding a counselor, a support group, or both.